[1] During her twenty four years in office, Delegate Pitkin made cancer prevention measures a prime concern and became a nationally recognized health care advocate for introducing landmark health care proposals which have become models for and set standards for the country.
For example; her work resulted in Maryland being one of two states in the nation to require full disclosure in breast cancer treatment alternatives and in legally instituting the two-step mastectomy choice.
In the 2000 session, as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Resources, Pitkin, along with several other members, negotiated with state and county health departments; hospital representatives; community health centers and provider groups; scientists; researchers and other academics; constituent members of the Cancer, Heart and Lung associations; and many others in a collaborative effort to determine how the Cigarette Restitution Fund from the Global Tobacco Settlement would be distributed, now and in the future.
Joan Breslin Pitkin won Maryland's Top 100 Women award in 2001, 2003 and 2005, the maximum number of times, which brings her into the Circle of Excellence.
The judges are extremely selective at this stage and seek a demonstration that the nominees are still actively involved and proactive in all key areas.